music for the soul

This afternoon I went to the Mondavi Center to hear the Davis High School Madrigal Singers in a benefit/anniversary/reunion performance. The Madrigals (Mads) are an a capella group of about 30 students, grades 10 - 12. Last year they traveled to Wales for an international competition and won First Place for Chamber Choir. Although the Madrigal groups have been performing for many years (40 to be exact), I have never heard them before. This afternoon's performance was a reunion of all past Mads who could make it. There were probably 150 singers, past and present. What an exquisite treat to hear both the current Mads and also the entire chorus. These young people give me hope for the future. If it depends on them, it will be OK. Among their selections they sang "Oh Shenandoah." There was not a dry eye in the house, including mine. Its beautiful tune, haunting words and piercing harmonies made me think of men and women away from their homes, longing to return. As in war time.